© 2008 prentice-hall, inc. 1 technology in action

© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1

Technology In ActionTechnology In Action


Technology In ActionTechnology In Action

Chapter 6Chapter 6

Evaluating Your System: Evaluating Your System:

Understanding and Assessing HardwareUnderstanding and Assessing Hardware


Chapter Topics Chapter Topics

• To buy or upgrade?To buy or upgrade?• Evaluating your system: Evaluating your system:

– CPUCPU– RAMRAM– Storage devicesStorage devices– Video outputVideo output– Sound systemsSound systems– Computer portsComputer ports

• System reliabilitySystem reliability


To Buy or To Upgrade?To Buy or To Upgrade?

• Things to consider:Things to consider:– Moore’s Law Moore’s Law

The number of transistors insideThe number of transistors inside a CPU will double every a CPU will double every 18 months 18 months


To Buy or To Upgrade?To Buy or To Upgrade?

• Things to consider:Things to consider:– The capacity of memory chips increases about The capacity of memory chips increases about

60 % every year60 % every year– Hard disk drives have been growing in storage Hard disk drives have been growing in storage

capacity by about 50% every yearcapacity by about 50% every year


Assessing Your Hardware: Assessing Your Hardware: Evaluating Your SystemEvaluating Your System

• Assess the computer’s subsystemsAssess the computer’s subsystems• The subsystems includeThe subsystems include

– CPUCPU– RAMRAM– Virtual memoryVirtual memory– Storage devicesStorage devices– VideoVideo– AudioAudio– PortsPorts


Evaluating the CPUEvaluating the CPU

• How does the CPU work?How does the CPU work?– Control unitControl unit– Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)– Machine cycle:Machine cycle:

• Instruction CycleInstruction Cycle– FetchFetch– DecodeDecode

• Execution CycleExecution Cycle– ExecuteExecute– Store Store

– Speed:Speed:• MHzMHz• GHzGHz


How Does the CPU WorkHow Does the CPU Work• The CPU The CPU

– Processes instructionsProcesses instructions– Performs calculationsPerforms calculations– Manages the flow of information through a Manages the flow of information through a

computer systemcomputer system– Is responsible for processing the data you Is responsible for processing the data you

input into informationinput into information• Located on the MotherboardLocated on the Motherboard

– The primary circuit board of the computer The primary circuit board of the computer systemsystem


How Does the CPU WorkHow Does the CPU Work• The CPU is composed of two unitsThe CPU is composed of two units

– The Control UnitThe Control Unit• Instruction Control UnitInstruction Control Unit• ICUICU• Coordinates the activities of all other computer Coordinates the activities of all other computer

componentscomponents– The Arithmetic Logic UnitThe Arithmetic Logic Unit

• ALUALU• Responsible for performing all arithmetic operations Responsible for performing all arithmetic operations

and comparison decisionsand comparison decisions


How Does the CPU WorkHow Does the CPU Work• Every time the CPU performs a program Every time the CPU performs a program

instruction, it goes through the same series instruction, it goes through the same series of steps (Machine Cycle)of steps (Machine Cycle)– It fetches the required piece of data or It fetches the required piece of data or

instruction from instruction from RAM RAM – It decodes the instruction into something the It decodes the instruction into something the

computer can understandcomputer can understand– It executes the instructionIt executes the instruction– It stores the result to RAMIt stores the result to RAM

• The computer goes through these machine The computer goes through these machine cycles at a steady and constant pacecycles at a steady and constant pace– Clock SpeedClock Speed


How Does the CPU WorkHow Does the CPU Work• The System ClockThe System Clock

– Controls clock speedControls clock speed– Works like a metronome in musicWorks like a metronome in music– Keeps a steady beat, regulating the speed at Keeps a steady beat, regulating the speed at

which the processor goes through machine which the processor goes through machine cyclescycles


How Does the CPU WorkHow Does the CPU Work• Processors process millions/billions of Processors process millions/billions of

machine cycles each secondmachine cycles each second• Processor speed is measured in units of Processor speed is measured in units of

Hertz (Hz)Hertz (Hz)– Machine cycles per secondMachine cycles per second

• MHz – 1 million instructions per secondMHz – 1 million instructions per second• GHz – 1 billion instructions per secondGHz – 1 billion instructions per second• 3.8 GHz – 3.8 billion instructions per second3.8 GHz – 3.8 billion instructions per second


How Does the CPU WorkHow Does the CPU Work• CPU UsageCPU Usage

– The percentage of time your CPU is workingThe percentage of time your CPU is working– Windows XP Task ManagerWindows XP Task Manager– Sound ByteSound Byte


Evaluating CPU FeaturesEvaluating CPU Features

• Some CPUs are optimized to process Some CPUs are optimized to process multimedia instructionsmultimedia instructions

• Intel CPUs called Core Duo processorsIntel CPUs called Core Duo processors– Use less power than dual processorsUse less power than dual processors– Increase multitasking performanceIncrease multitasking performance

• Intel has more than 17 other designs for Intel has more than 17 other designs for chips with more than one corechips with more than one core


Upgrading the CPUUpgrading the CPU

• Expensive Expensive • Easy to installEasy to install• Motherboard Motherboard

compatibilitycompatibility


Upgrading the CPUUpgrading the CPU

• Replacing the CPU is expensiveReplacing the CPU is expensive• Not all CPUs are interchangeableNot all CPUs are interchangeable• The replacement CPU must be compatible with The replacement CPU must be compatible with

the Motherboardthe Motherboard• Upgrading your CPU will affect only processing Upgrading your CPU will affect only processing

speedspeed• Your system’s overall performance depends on Your system’s overall performance depends on

many other factors, including the amount of many other factors, including the amount of RAM installed and the hard disk speed of your RAM installed and the hard disk speed of your hard drivehard drive


Evaluating RAMEvaluating RAM

• Random access memory (RAM):Random access memory (RAM):– Temporary storage (memory)Temporary storage (memory)– VolatileVolatile

• Memory modules:Memory modules:– SIMMSIMM– DIMMDIMM– RIMMRIMM

• Types of RAM:Types of RAM:– SRAMSRAM– DRAMDRAM– SDRAMSDRAM


Evaluating RAMEvaluating RAM

• Random access memory (RAM):Random access memory (RAM):– Your computer’s temporary storage spaceYour computer’s temporary storage space– Short term memoryShort term memory

• It remembers everything that the computer needs It remembers everything that the computer needs to process the data into information (data and to process the data into information (data and software instructions)software instructions)

• As long as the computer is on. When the power is As long as the computer is on. When the power is off, the data stored in RAM is cleared outoff, the data stored in RAM is cleared out

– VolatileVolatile

– It’s about one million times faster for the It’s about one million times faster for the CPU to retrieve a piece of data from CPU to retrieve a piece of data from RAM than from a hard disk driveRAM than from a hard disk drive


Evaluating RAMEvaluating RAM• Random access memory (RAM):Random access memory (RAM):

– Located on the MotherboardLocated on the Motherboard• Types of RAMTypes of RAM

– DRAMDRAM– SRAM – Static RAMSRAM – Static RAM– SDRAM – Synchronous DRAMSDRAM – Synchronous DRAM– DDR2 SDRAM RAM Double Data Rate SDRAMDDR2 SDRAM RAM Double Data Rate SDRAM

• Currently, DDR2 SDRAM is very common Currently, DDR2 SDRAM is very common todaytoday

• How much RAM do I have – Page 279How much RAM do I have – Page 279


How Much Ram is Needed?How Much Ram is Needed?

• To determine how much ram To determine how much ram You need, you must look at the You need, you must look at the memory requirements of each memory requirements of each program and add them upprogram and add them up

System SoftwareSystem Software Windows XPWindows XP 128 MB128 MB

Productivity SoftwareProductivity Software MS Office ProMS Office Pro 128 MB128 MB

Entertainment SoftwareEntertainment Software Windows Media PlayerWindows Media Player 64 MB64 MB

GraphicsGraphics MS Picture It!MS Picture It! 128 MB128 MB



• RAM for System SoftwareRAM for System Software• RAM for Productivity SoftwareRAM for Productivity Software• RAM for EntertainmentRAM for Entertainment• RAM for Graphics ProgramsRAM for Graphics Programs

System SoftwareSystem Software Windows XPWindows XP 128 MB128 MB

Productivity SoftwareProductivity Software MS Office ProMS Office Pro 128 MB128 MB

Entertainment SoftwareEntertainment Software Windows Media PlayerWindows Media Player 64 MB64 MB

GraphicsGraphics MS Picture It!MS Picture It! 128 MB128 MB



• Because RAM is the temporary holding Because RAM is the temporary holding space for all the data and instructions that space for all the data and instructions that the computer uses when it’s on, most the computer uses when it’s on, most computer users need quite a bit of RAMcomputer users need quite a bit of RAM

• It’s not unusual to have 1 GB of RAM or It’s not unusual to have 1 GB of RAM or more on a newer home systemmore on a newer home system



• At a minimumAt a minimum– You need enough RAM to run the OS plus You need enough RAM to run the OS plus

whatever software applications you’re usingwhatever software applications you’re using– Plus additional RAM to hold the data you’re Plus additional RAM to hold the data you’re

inputtinginputting

• The maximum limit with Windows XP is 4 GBThe maximum limit with Windows XP is 4 GB


Adding RAMAdding RAM

• Increase system Increase system performanceperformance

• Things to consider:Things to consider:– Type of RAM moduleType of RAM module– Amount of RAM:Amount of RAM:

• Maximum limitMaximum limit• Number of slotsNumber of slots• Operating systemOperating system• Applications running at the Applications running at the

same timesame time


Evaluating StorageEvaluating Storage

• RAM is a form of temporary storageRAM is a form of temporary storage– Volatile storageVolatile storage– Anything residing in RAM is not permanently Anything residing in RAM is not permanently

savedsaved

• It’s critical to have means to store data It’s critical to have means to store data and software applications permanentlyand software applications permanently

• Several storage options existSeveral storage options exist


Evaluating StorageEvaluating Storage

• Types of storage devices:Types of storage devices:– Hard driveHard drive– Floppy driveFloppy drive– Zip disk driveZip disk drive– CD/DVDCD/DVD– Flash memoryFlash memory

• Nonvolatile storageNonvolatile storage– Permanent storage devicesPermanent storage devices


The Hard Disk DriveThe Hard Disk Drive

• Storage capacity up to 500 GBStorage capacity up to 500 GB– The largest storage capacity of any storage deviceThe largest storage capacity of any storage device– Offers the most GB of storage per dollarOffers the most GB of storage per dollar

• Access time is measured in Access time is measured in milliseconds (Thousandths ofmilliseconds (Thousandths ofsecondsseconds– The time it takes a storage device toThe time it takes a storage device to

locate its stored data and make it locate its stored data and make it available for processingavailable for processing



• Data transfer rate is measured in megabits Data transfer rate is measured in megabits (megabytes per second)(megabytes per second)– Transfer data to other computer componentsTransfer data to other computer components

• Spindle speed is measured in revolutions per Spindle speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm)minute (rpm)


How a Hard Disk WorksHow a Hard Disk Works• Composed of several iron Composed of several iron

oxide- coated platters oxide- coated platters stacked on a spindlestacked on a spindle

• When data is saved to a When data is saved to a hard disk, a pattern of hard disk, a pattern of magnetized spots is magnetized spots is created on the iron oxide created on the iron oxide coating each plattercoating each platter– Each spots = 1– Each spots = 1– Spaces not spotted = 0– Spaces not spotted = 0

• 0s and 1s are binary bits0s and 1s are binary bits

Platters Read/write head

Access arms


How a Hard Disk WorksHow a Hard Disk Works• Between each platter are Between each platter are

read/write heads that read read/write heads that read and write magnetized dataand write magnetized data

• The read/write heads move The read/write heads move from the outer edge of the from the outer edge of the spinning platters to the spinning platters to the center to read and write the center to read and write the magnetized data to/from magnetized data to/from the hard diskthe hard disk


Access arms


How a Hard Disk WorksHow a Hard Disk Works• When data stored on the When data stored on the

hard disk is retrieved, your hard disk is retrieved, your computer translates the computer translates the patterns of 0s and 1s into patterns of 0s and 1s into the data you savedthe data you saved


Access arms



• Hard drive capacity is measured in MB or GBHard drive capacity is measured in MB or GB• To determine the storage capacity your system To determine the storage capacity your system

needs, calculate the amount of storage capacity needs, calculate the amount of storage capacity basic computer programs need to reside on your basic computer programs need to reside on your computercomputer


The Hard Disk DriveThe Hard Disk Drive• Sample Hard Drive RequirementsSample Hard Drive Requirements

Application Hard Disk Space Required

Windows Vista Home Basic 512 MB

MS Office Pro 2007 256 MB

Internet Explorer 7 128 MB

iTunes 256 MB

Microsoft Picture It! 128 MB

Total Required 1,768 MB (1.77 GB)

(If running all programs simultaneously)


The Hard Disk DriveThe Hard Disk Drive• There are several types of hard drivesThere are several types of hard drives

– Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)• An older style that used wide cables to connect the An older style that used wide cables to connect the

hard drive to the Motherboardhard drive to the Motherboard• Also called PATA – Parallel Advanced Technology Also called PATA – Parallel Advanced Technology

AttachmentAttachment

– Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)• Use much thinner cablesUse much thinner cables• Can transfer data more quickly than IDE drivesCan transfer data more quickly than IDE drives


Portable StoragePortable Storage

• Gives us the ability to move data Gives us the ability to move data from one computer to anotherfrom one computer to another

• Types of portable storage devices:Types of portable storage devices:– Floppy disk:Floppy disk:

• Capacity 1.44 MBCapacity 1.44 MB• Computer makers have stopped shipping Computer makers have stopped shipping

floppy drives as standard equipmentfloppy drives as standard equipment– Zip disk:Zip disk:

• Capacity 100 MB to 750 MBCapacity 100 MB to 750 MB– CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW:CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW:

• Capacity 700 MB to 9.4 GBCapacity 700 MB to 9.4 GB– Flash drive:Flash drive:

• Capacity up to 4 GB Capacity up to 4 GB – Flash memory Card:Flash memory Card:

• Up to 16 GB (and up)Up to 16 GB (and up)


Magnetic StorageMagnetic Storage

• Magnetic media:Magnetic media:– Metal platters:Metal platters:

• Hard disksHard disks

– Plastic film:Plastic film:• Floppy disksFloppy disks• Zip disksZip disks

• TracksTracks• SectorsSectors• File Allocation TableFile Allocation Table

Track

Sector



• Inside the plastic cases of both floppy and Inside the plastic cases of both floppy and Zip disks, you’ll find a round piece of Zip disks, you’ll find a round piece of plastic filmplastic film

• This film is covered with a magnetized This film is covered with a magnetized coating of iron oxidecoating of iron oxide

• Like a hard drive, when data is saved to Like a hard drive, when data is saved to the disk, a pattern of magnetized spots is the disk, a pattern of magnetized spots is created on the iron oxide coating within created on the iron oxide coating within the established tracks and sectorsthe established tracks and sectors



• Each of these spots represents either a 0 Each of these spots represents either a 0 or a 1or a 1– BitBit

• When data stored on the disk is retrieved, When data stored on the disk is retrieved, your computer translates these patterns of your computer translates these patterns of magnetized spots into informationmagnetized spots into information


Optical StorageOptical Storage

• Optical media:Optical media:– CD-ROMCD-ROM– CD-RCD-R– CD-RWCD-RW– DVD-ROMDVD-ROM– DVD-RDVD-R– DVD-RWDVD-RW

• LaserLaser– Pits scatter laser light Pits scatter laser light

equaling a 1equaling a 1– Nonpitted area reflects Nonpitted area reflects

laser light equaling a 0laser light equaling a 0



• Like the hard drive, the floppy disk, and zip Like the hard drive, the floppy disk, and zip disks, data is saved to CDs and DVDs disks, data is saved to CDs and DVDs within established tracks and sectorswithin established tracks and sectors

• Unlike the hard drive, the floppy disk, and Unlike the hard drive, the floppy disk, and zip disks, CDs and DVDs store data as tiny zip disks, CDs and DVDs store data as tiny pits that are burned into a disk by a high-pits that are burned into a disk by a high-speed laserspeed laser

• These pits are extremely small, less than 1 These pits are extremely small, less than 1 micron in diameter, so that nearly 1,500 micron in diameter, so that nearly 1,500 pits fit across the top of a pinhead pits fit across the top of a pinhead



• Data is read off the CD by a laser beam, Data is read off the CD by a laser beam, with the pits and nonpits translating into the with the pits and nonpits translating into the 1s and 0s of the binary code computers 1s and 0s of the binary code computers understandunderstand

• Because CDs and DVDs use a laser to read and Because CDs and DVDs use a laser to read and write data, they are referred to as write data, they are referred to as optical mediaoptical media



• To read information To read information stored on a disk, a laser stored on a disk, a laser inside the disk drive inside the disk drive sends a beam of light sends a beam of light through the spinning through the spinning disk.disk.– If the light reflected back If the light reflected back

is scattered in all is scattered in all directions (which happens directions (which happens when the laser hits a pit), when the laser hits a pit), the laser translates this the laser translates this into the binary digit 0.into the binary digit 0.



– If non-scattered light is If non-scattered light is reflected back to the laser reflected back to the laser (which happens when the (which happens when the laser hits an area in which laser hits an area in which there is no pit), the laser there is no pit), the laser translates this into the translates this into the binary digit 1.binary digit 1.

• In this way, the laser In this way, the laser reads the pits and non-reads the pits and non-pits as a series of bits pits as a series of bits (0s and 1s), which the (0s and 1s), which the computer can process.computer can process.



• CD-ROMs are prerecorded and cannot be CD-ROMs are prerecorded and cannot be written towritten to

• CD-Rs are blank and can be written to or CD-Rs are blank and can be written to or burned once with a CD rewritable driveburned once with a CD rewritable drive

• CD-RWs start blank but can be rewritten or CD-RWs start blank but can be rewritten or reburned several timesreburned several times



• DVD-ROM, DVD-R, and DVD-RW follow the DVD-ROM, DVD-R, and DVD-RW follow the same pattern but at much higher capacitiessame pattern but at much higher capacities

• DVD’s (Digital Video Discs) storage capacity DVD’s (Digital Video Discs) storage capacity is much greater than CD’sis much greater than CD’s

• DVDs have less space between tracks, as DVDs have less space between tracks, as well as between bitswell as between bits

• The size of pits on the DVD is also much The size of pits on the DVD is also much smaller than those on a CDsmaller than those on a CD

• Additionally, DVD audio and video quality is Additionally, DVD audio and video quality is superior to that of a CDsuperior to that of a CD



• DVDs can have data on just one side or DVDs can have data on just one side or both sides of the disc with one or two both sides of the disc with one or two layers on each side for a maximum layers on each side for a maximum capacity of 17GB per disccapacity of 17GB per disc

• The DVD’s main competitor appears to be The DVD’s main competitor appears to be the the HD-DVD (High-Definition DVD), HD-DVD (High-Definition DVD), which which holds less data but may be cheaper to holds less data but may be cheaper to produceproduce



• Blu-Ray is one new emerging standard of Blu-Ray is one new emerging standard of data storagedata storage– The “blue” in the name refers to the fact that a The “blue” in the name refers to the fact that a

blue laser, instead of a red laser, is used to blue laser, instead of a red laser, is used to write and read these discswrite and read these discs

• A single layer Blu-Ray disc can hold 25 GB A single layer Blu-Ray disc can hold 25 GB of data of data

• A double-layer disc can hold 50 GB A double-layer disc can hold 50 GB – Four hours of high-definition videoFour hours of high-definition video



• Experiments are underway using Experiments are underway using fluorescent optical discs that can store data fluorescent optical discs that can store data in as many as 100 different layers, for a in as many as 100 different layers, for a final capacity of 450 GBfinal capacity of 450 GB



• CD drives cannot read DVDs. DVD drives CD drives cannot read DVDs. DVD drives can read CDscan read CDs

• To record data to DVDs, you need To record data to DVDs, you need recordable DVD discs and a read/write recordable DVD discs and a read/write DVD driveDVD drive

• There are two recognized formatsThere are two recognized formats– DVD-R/RWDVD-R/RW

• DVD DashDVD Dash– DVD+R/RWDVD+R/RW

• DVD PlusDVD Plus



• Either the Plus or Dash format discs you Either the Plus or Dash format discs you write will be compatible in about 85% of all write will be compatible in about 85% of all DVD playersDVD players

• You must make sure, however, to purchase You must make sure, however, to purchase blank DVD discs that match the type of blank DVD discs that match the type of drive you owndrive you own

• Either type of DVD burner can burn CDsEither type of DVD burner can burn CDs



• When you buy a CD or VD drive, knowing When you buy a CD or VD drive, knowing the drive speed is importantthe drive speed is important

• Speeds are listed on the device’s Speeds are listed on the device’s packagingpackaging– Record (write) speed is always listed firstRecord (write) speed is always listed first– Rewrite speed is listed secondRewrite speed is listed second– Playback speed is listed lastPlayback speed is listed last



• A CD-RW drive may have the following A CD-RW drive may have the following speeds of 52X32X52Xspeeds of 52X32X52X– Record data at 52X speedRecord data at 52X speed– Rewrite data at 32X speedRewrite data at 32X speed– Play back data at 52X speedPlay back data at 52X speed

• A 1x DVD-ROM drive provides a data A 1x DVD-ROM drive provides a data transfer rate of approximately 1.3 MB of transfer rate of approximately 1.3 MB of data per seconddata per second– Roughly the equivalent to a CD-ROM speed of Roughly the equivalent to a CD-ROM speed of

9X9X


StorageStorage

• Portable Storage CapacitiesPortable Storage Capacities

Storage Media Capacity

Floppy Disk 1.44 MB

Zip Disk 100 To 750 MB

CD 700 MB

DVD 9.4 GB

Flash Memory 512 MB to 16 GB (and up)

Portable Hard Drive 20 GB and up


Upgrading StorageUpgrading Storage

• Hard drive options:Hard drive options:– Replace current drive with Replace current drive with

a larger capacity drivea larger capacity drive– Install an additional hard Install an additional hard

drive in your current drive in your current system if you have an extra system if you have an extra drive baydrive bay

– Use an external hard drive Use an external hard drive you can plug into a USB or you can plug into a USB or FireWall portFireWall port


Upgrading StorageUpgrading Storage

• Other options:Other options:– Zip driveZip drive– Replace CD ROM with Replace CD ROM with

CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RWCD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW• Need an open bayNeed an open bay

– Without open bays, you Without open bays, you can add external Zip and can add external Zip and CD/DVD drives that attach CD/DVD drives that attach to your computer through to your computer through an open portan open port

– Flash card readerFlash card reader• Need a Memory Card ReaderNeed a Memory Card Reader

– Flash memory driveFlash memory drive• Plug directly into a USB portPlug directly into a USB port


Evaluating VideoEvaluating Video

• How video is How video is displayed depends on displayed depends on two components:two components:– Video card (adapter)Video card (adapter)– MonitorMonitor

• It’s important that It’s important that your system have the your system have the correct monitor and correct monitor and video card to meet video card to meet your needs your needs


Video CardsVideo Cards

• An expansion card that is An expansion card that is installed inside your system installed inside your system unit to translate binary data unit to translate binary data into the images you view on into the images you view on your monitoryour monitor

• Include ports allowing you to Include ports allowing you to connect to different video connect to different video equipment equipment

• Contain their own RAMContain their own RAM– Video RAM (VRAM)Video RAM (VRAM)

• Some come with their own Some come with their own processors which processors which significantly speeds up significantly speeds up processingprocessing



• Contain their own RAMContain their own RAM– Video RAM (VRAM)Video RAM (VRAM)– If you only work with If you only work with

Microsoft Word and conduct Microsoft Word and conduct general Web searches, 16 general Web searches, 16 MB is a realistic minimumMB is a realistic minimum

– For the serious gamer, a For the serious gamer, a 256-MB card is essential256-MB card is essential

– Cards with 512 MB are on Cards with 512 MB are on the market today the market today



• Some come with their own Some come with their own processorsprocessors– Calls to the CPU for Calls to the CPU for

graphics processing are graphics processing are redirected to the processor redirected to the processor on the video card which on the video card which significantly speeds up significantly speeds up processingprocessing



• Controls the number of colors a monitor Controls the number of colors a monitor can displaycan display

• The number of bits the video card uses to The number of bits the video card uses to represent each pixel (or dot) on the represent each pixel (or dot) on the monitor (bit depth) determines the color monitor (bit depth) determines the color quality of the image displayedquality of the image displayed

• The more bits, the better the color detail of The more bits, the better the color detail of the imagethe image



• A 4-bit video card displays 16 colorsA 4-bit video card displays 16 colors– The minimum number of colors your system The minimum number of colors your system

works withworks with– Standard VGAStandard VGA

• Most video cards today are 24-bit cards, Most video cards today are 24-bit cards, displaying more than 16 million colorsdisplaying more than 16 million colors– True Color ModeTrue Color Mode



• Bit Depth and Color QualityBit Depth and Color Quality

Bit Depth Color Quality Description

Number of Colors Displayed

4-bit Standard VGA 16

8-bit 256-Color Mode 256

16-bit High Color 65,536

24-bit True Color 16,777,216

32-bit True Color 16,777,216 plus 8 bits to help with transparency


Monitors Monitors

• Things to consider:Things to consider:– Types:Types:

• CRT or LCDCRT or LCD

– Size:Size:– 15, 17, 19, or 21 inch15, 17, 19, or 21 inch


Monitors Monitors

• ResolutionResolution– Increasing resolution allows more to be Increasing resolution allows more to be

displayeddisplayed– Increased resolution also makes the images on Increased resolution also makes the images on

the screen smaller and perhaps more difficult the screen smaller and perhaps more difficult to readto read


Monitors Monitors

• Dot pitchDot pitch– The diagonal distance between pixels of the The diagonal distance between pixels of the

same color on the screensame color on the screen• For a clearer, brighter image, look for a monitor with For a clearer, brighter image, look for a monitor with

a low dot pitch ofa low dot pitch of– No more than 0.28 mm for a 17-inch screenNo more than 0.28 mm for a 17-inch screen– 0.31 mm for a 21-inch screen 0.31 mm for a 21-inch screen

• Refresh rateRefresh rate– The number of times per second the illumination The number of times per second the illumination

of each pixel on the monitor is rechargedof each pixel on the monitor is recharged• 75 Hz or higher75 Hz or higher


Evaluating AudioEvaluating Audio

• Sound card:Sound card:– Attach to the MotherboardAttach to the Motherboard– Process digital data into Process digital data into

soundssounds– Most computers shipMost computers ship

with a basic sound cardwith a basic sound card• 3D sound cards3D sound cards



• Stereo sound allows the human ear to perceive Stereo sound allows the human ear to perceive sounds as coming from the left or the right of sounds as coming from the left or the right of the performance areathe performance area

• 3D sound is better at convincing the human ear 3D sound is better at convincing the human ear that sound is omnidirectionalthat sound is omnidirectional– You can’t tell from which direction the sound is You can’t tell from which direction the sound is

comingcoming– This tends to produce a fuller, richer sound than This tends to produce a fuller, richer sound than

stereo soundstereo sound– 3D sound is not surround sound3D sound is not surround sound



• Surround soundSurround sound– The current surround sound standard is Dolby The current surround sound standard is Dolby

7.1 Format7.1 Format– The 7.1 format takes digital sound from a The 7.1 format takes digital sound from a

medium and reproduces it in eight channelsmedium and reproduces it in eight channels– To set up surround sound on your computer, To set up surround sound on your computer,

you needyou need• A set of surround-sound speakersA set of surround-sound speakers• A sound card that is Dolby 7.1 compatibleA sound card that is Dolby 7.1 compatible



• Speakers:Speakers:– Amplified Amplified – Not amplifiedNot amplified– SubwooferSubwoofer– Surround soundSurround sound


Evaluating PortsEvaluating Ports

• Ports are used to connect peripheral Ports are used to connect peripheral devices to the computerdevices to the computer

• Things to consider:Things to consider:– Devices you want to useDevices you want to use– Ports needed for your peripheral devicesPorts needed for your peripheral devices


PS/2 Port

COM 1 Port

PS/2 Connectors

Serial Connector

Types of PortsTypes of Ports

• Serial PortSerial Port– Transfers data one Transfers data one

bit at a time at bit at a time at speeds up to 56 speeds up to 56 kbpskbps

– MiceMice– External modemsExternal modems

• Slowly being phased Slowly being phased out by USB portsout by USB ports



• Parallel PortParallel Port– Transfers eight Transfers eight

bits of data bits of data simultaneouslysimultaneously

– 12 Mbps12 Mbps

– Printers, Printers, Scanners Scanners

LPT 1 Port

Printer Cable Connector



• Universal serial bus Universal serial bus

– Transfer speed up to Transfer speed up to 480 Mbps480 Mbps• Version 1 – 12 MbpsVersion 1 – 12 Mbps• Version 2 – 480 MbpsVersion 2 – 480 Mbps

– Becoming the most Becoming the most common portcommon port

– Mice, keyboards, external zip drives, Mice, keyboards, external zip drives, printers, scanners, game controllers printers, scanners, game controllers

USB Port

USB Connector



• FireWireFireWire

– Transfer rate of Transfer rate of 400 Mbps; Digital 400 Mbps; Digital camerascameras

– Newer FireWire Newer FireWire 800 is fastest 800 is fastest • Available only on Available only on

the Apple Macthe Apple Mac

FireWire Port

FireWire Connector



• EthernetEthernet

– Transfer rate of 100 Transfer rate of 100 Mbps; Mbps;

– Connects computers Connects computers to networksto networks

Ethernet Port

Ethernet jack



• IrDAIrDA– Transfer rate of 4 Transfer rate of 4

Mbps; Mbps; – Uses infrared light Uses infrared light

waveswaves– Requires a line of Requires a line of

sightsight

IrDA



• BluetoothBluetooth– Transfer rate of 1 Transfer rate of 1

MbpsMbps– Bluetooth 2 has a Bluetooth 2 has a

transfer rate of 3 transfer rate of 3 MbpsMbps

– Uses radio waves Uses radio waves to send data over to send data over short distancesshort distances

Bluetooth



• MIDI PortMIDI Port– Musical Instrument Digital InterfaceMusical Instrument Digital Interface– 31.5 Kbps transfer rate31.5 Kbps transfer rate


Adding PortsAdding Ports

• Expansion cards:Expansion cards:– New port New port

standardsstandards

• Expansion hubs:Expansion hubs:– Enables several Enables several

devices to be devices to be connected to a connected to a portport


Evaluating System ReliabilityEvaluating System Reliability

• Performance:Performance:– SlowSlow– FreezesFreezes– Crashes Crashes

• Upkeep and maintenance:Upkeep and maintenance:– System toolsSystem tools– Control panelControl panel– Update software and hardware Update software and hardware

driversdrivers


Upkeep and MaintenanceUpkeep and Maintenance

• System tools:System tools:– Disk defragmenterDisk defragmenter– Disk cleanupDisk cleanup

• Unnecessary filesUnnecessary files

• Control panel:Control panel:– Add/remove Add/remove

programsprograms– DisplayDisplay– System System

• Device managerDevice manager


Update Software and Update Software and Hardware DriversHardware Drivers

• Software:Software:– Automatic Automatic

updatesupdates– Patches Patches

• Hardware:Hardware:– Download Download

updated driversupdated drivers


The Last ResortThe Last Resort

• If problems persist:If problems persist:– Reinstall the operating systemReinstall the operating system– Upgrade the operating system to the latest Upgrade the operating system to the latest

versionversion


The Final DecisionThe Final Decision

• How closely does your system come to How closely does your system come to meeting your needs?meeting your needs?

• How much would it cost to upgrade your How much would it cost to upgrade your system?system?

• How much would it cost to purchase a new How much would it cost to purchase a new system?system?


Chapter 6 Summary QuestionsChapter 6 Summary Questions

• How can I determine whether I should How can I determine whether I should upgrade my existing computer or buy a upgrade my existing computer or buy a new one?new one?



• What does the CPU do and how can I What does the CPU do and how can I evaluate its performance?evaluate its performance?



• How does memory work and how can I How does memory work and how can I evaluate how much memory I need?evaluate how much memory I need?



• What are the computer’s main storage What are the computer’s main storage devices and how can I evaluate whether devices and how can I evaluate whether they match my needs?they match my needs?



• What components affect the output of What components affect the output of video and how can I evaluate whether they video and how can I evaluate whether they are meeting my needs?are meeting my needs?



• What components affect the quality of What components affect the quality of sound and how can I evaluate whether sound and how can I evaluate whether they are meeting my needs?they are meeting my needs?



• What are the ports available on desktop What are the ports available on desktop computers and how can I determine what computers and how can I determine what ports I need?ports I need?



• How can I ensure the reliability of my How can I ensure the reliability of my system?system?

© 2008 prentice-hall, inc. 1 technology in action

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